Monday, March 11, 2013
France and Ireland draw for second consecutive year
France came from behind to draw 13-13 with Ireland as they avoided a fourth straight defeat, but are still without a win with one game left in this years Six Nations championship. The two teams drew their Six Nations meeting last year too.
Paddy Jackson showed his temperament as he kicked Ireland, who had beaten France just once in their last 13 attempts, to a 10 point halftime lead after a Jamie Heaslip try.
Morgan Parra pulled things back in the second half before Louis Picamoles drove over with just six minutes left on the clock. Frederic Michalak levelled things up with the conversion.
"It was a very tough game. Picamoles took his chance well at the end and did well despite our best efforts," said deflated skipper Jamie Heaslip post match.
"It wasn't the prettiest game to watch. I suppose the score reflected the game," he added.
While the pressure on both coaches will have intensified with the result, France have just one point from this year's competition so must get a result in Paris next weekend to avoid picking up the wooden spoon. It would be their first last place finish in the championship since 1999.
Time: 4:37
Credit: rbs6nations
Posted at 6:07 pm | 8 comments
|
Posted in Six Nations 2013
|
|
Viewing 8 comments
Reality March 12, 2013 7:43 pm
Having said that, are Steve Walsh and the TMO having a laugh at the end? That was the most case of taking a player out without the ball and therefore penalty and yellow card I've ever seen in my life.
BenjaJ March 12, 2013 7:48 pm
Concerning the Debaty shoulder strike or not, I think that was a good call by the referee. He put his shoulder and the weight difference did the rest. Even the TMO looked carefully and said that was nothing. It happens on every kick.
I'm a little more sceptical about the french try, it seems to me that Picamoles scored in two times.
Good to see that Paddy Jackson can delivered a fine performance. Heaslip proved that he is a great captain, despite what the critics said before the match.
And please Gatland, put Murray on scrumhalf for the Lions tour!
On French side, Picamoles is really impressive. He has made more metres (302), breaks (5) and beat more defenders (14) than any other player in this 6 Nations.
I still don't understand why Saint Andrz put Michalak instead of Trinh Duc. Michalak had a bad tournament, while Trinh Duc really brought something against England. And what about the last action, when at 13-13 Michalak decided to make this horrible kick for nobody ? Keep the ball and wait for a penalty, or try a drop goal !
Sankeor March 12, 2013 8:59 pm
Frenchie March 12, 2013 9:08 pm
I'd say it is a fair result. First half was only Irish, second mainly French. The Irish seemed very tired at the end.
@ Reality : no penalty. Debaty puts his body on the line and contests the ball. Good call by the ref. Debaty and Picamoles are running almost as fast as the winger...sad
@ BenjaJ : same as you i didn't understand the last 2 kicks. I believe the ref told the French there was no time for a line out. As for the 2nd i think it is a poor decision making from Michalak; he should have been patient and let the big guys play the ball in hands.
The Irish were on their last breath and would have cracked i think.
Trinh Duc should be playing as 10. But guess what St André thinks differently; Michalak will start against Scotland.
Reality March 12, 2013 10:20 pm
ConorL March 13, 2013 2:32 am
Immense physicality, players hurling themselves into rucks, mauls and tackles with reckless abandon and with no regard for their own well being, bodies strewn all over the pitch, a sprinkling of controversy and drama, and the outcome of the game in the balance right up to the final whistle. What more could you ask for?
Finally, as it was probably his last home game for Ireland, a special mention to Brian O'Driscoll. No player has ever given more to the cause than he, and if this is to be his last game, then what a way to go. Seeing him being helped from the field battered, bloodied and concussed (accompanied by a standing ovation and the tears of his wife!), only to somehow find the will to limp back onto the field 5 minutes later to see out the match, was truly inspiring. Body broken, but Spirit unbowed. Legend
FelipeG March 13, 2013 1:51 pm
Frenchie March 13, 2013 9:10 pm
A close call though.
Commenting as Guest | Register or Login